December 18, 2025
Mr. Cotton (for himself and Mr. Budd) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
To amend title 18, United States Code, to establish criminal penalties for interfering with National Guard protective zones.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the National Guard Protective Zone Act
.
Sec. 2. Interference with National Guard protective zone
(a) In general
Chapter 67 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
1390. Interference with National Guard protective zone
(a) Definition
In this section, the term posted protective zone means an area around a member of the National Guard—
(1)
the perimeter of which is not more than 15 feet from the member; and
(2)
that is marked by a verbal warning, visible signage, barricade tape, or other reasonable means.
(b) Offense
It shall be unlawful, during a deployment authorized under chapter 15 of title 10 or under title 32, for any person to knowingly enter or remain within a posted protective zone with the intent to impede, intimidate, or interfere with the official duties of a member of the National Guard who is within the posted protective zone.
(c) Penalties
(1) In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2), any person who violates subsection (b) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.
(2) Aggravated penalty
If, in the course of committing a violation of subsection (b), a person makes physical contact with, throws an object at, or spits on the member of the National Guard, the maximum term of imprisonment under paragraph (1) shall be 5 years.
(d) Rule of construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit activity protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States that is conducted outside a posted protective zone.
(b) Technical and conforming amendment
The table of sections for chapter 67 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: